Donald Trump has chosen retired Marine Gen. James Mattis as his secretary of defense

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December 01, 2016 04:56 PM EST

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis to be his secretary of defense, reports The Washington Post.

There is one problem with Trump's choice. Mattis hung his uniform up just four years ago. If he is to be appointed, Congress will have to pass a new law that bypasses another law that prohibits a secretary of defense from being appointed if they have been on active duty in the past seven years.

Congress granted a similar exception in the case of Gen. George C. Marshall in 1950.

Mattis is by far the best, most qualified and capable pick in the Trump team to date. By a lot. https://t.co/KbNIeOORro

Many on social media are hailing Trump's decision as his most logical yet.

Mattis was serving as the chief of U.S. Central Command when he retired in the spring of 2013.

The former general is a widely respected military thinker. He favors a hardline approach to dealing with enemies of the United States abroad, particularly with regards to the Iranian regime.

Mattis also served as the supreme allied commander of transformation for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In this role, he attempted to improve the military effectiveness of different NATO members.

General Mattis a solid pick for Defense. "Mad Dog" nickname is ironic--he's can do and a strategic thinker.